Hillsboro Park of the Week: Noble Woods

After another hiatus, Park of the Week is back with Noble Woods Park in the eastern part of town. This nearly 40-acre park has a unique history not shared by the other parks in town. That's right, it was the park I grew up across the street from. Actually, it was not a park yet, but we stilled played there.

Plus, that is not really the unique history I am talking about.

As to that, unlike all the other parks, a large chunk of the purchase price was paid for with donations after a funding measure on the ballot failed in 1991. Hundreds of residents pledged monthly payments, and local businesses and civic groups donated other sums to help preserve this urban forest, with the city buying the land from Charlie Noble in 1992.

The city finally opened Noble Woods Park in 1998 after some additions and more funding coming from Metro. There were also some subtractions, as two old rental houses on the property were demolished. These were where the Baseline entrance to the park is located, which provides the clearing for the parking lot.

Today, the park is pretty much a nature preserve with trails and Rock Creek. There is off-street parking, restrooms, and a picnic shelter. The trails add up to one mile, and there are bridges and boardwalks crossing the creek and wetlands. Along the trails you can find a variety of flora and fauna, including trilliums.